1-800-153-463 AU

0-800-450-681 NZ

About This Tour:

Pacific Northwest and the Columbia River Cruise

Travel the storied pioneer route from Chicago to Portland by train for a Pacific Northwest adventure that continues through Oregon and Washington, following the Columbia and Snake Rivers aboard the American Empress steamboat.

Tour Description

Embark on a rail and river cruise adventure following the path taken by explorers Lewis and Clark in 1805. Beginning in Chicago, board Amtrak's Empire Builder train for the storied 2-night journey across the northern prairies into Big Sky Country, ending in Portland, Oregon. Explore the “City of Roses” during a short city stay before boarding the American Empress, your floating boutique hotel for the journey into the heart of Washington's wine country. From Portland's lovely International Rose Test Garden to the hallowed artifacts on the Nez Perce Reservation, the region comes to life. Tour a millionaire's Victorian home in Astoria, Oregon and marvel at the engineering achievement of the Bonneville Dam. Whether you choose to take in the scenery from Mt. Hood's Timberline Lodge nestled among the pines or climb a lighthouse to view the expansive Pacific, a voyage on the Columbia and Snake Rivers will show you the world from a new perspective.

Tour Photos

Highlights and Inclusions

Transportation aboard Amtrak (2 nights on train)

Hotel accommodations for 1 night

All meals aboard the ship

7-night river cruise aboard the American Empress

Complimentary wine and beer with dinner and complimentary cappuccino,
espresso, specialty coffees, bottled water and soft drinks throughout the
river cruise

Itinerary

Day 1 -Empire Builder to PortlandArrive at Chicago's historic Union Station and board the famed Empire Builder in preparation of your 2:15 pm departure northwest, following a storied pioneer trail. As the train makes its way into Wisconsin and across the Mississippi River into Minnesota, take time to get acquainted with the Empire Builder's many features including the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge, offering fantastic views of the scenery through which you're traveling. Overnight train. (D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 2 - Aboard the Empire BuilderWhen you awake this morning, the Empire Builder is making its way across the prairies of North Dakota, traveling into Big Sky Country. Around dinner time today, the train passes by Glacier National Park, one of the country's best loved national parks and a high point along this rail route. Overnight train. (B, L, D Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 3 - Arrive in PortlandEarly this morning, the Empire Builder passes into Washington and continues southwest to Portland, Oregon. You're scheduled to arrive in Portland at 10:10 am. Transfer on your own to your centrally-located hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. You may wish to stroll through one of the cities beautiful parks—there are more than 200—or visit the International Rose Test Garden to see thousands of spectacular blooms. Shop for souvenirs—tax-free, no less—or enjoy a bite to eat at one of the city's restaurants and enjoy the relaxing, laid back feel of this vibrant city. Overnight Portland. (B Sleeping Car passengers only)

Day 4 - Board the American EmpressThe better part of the day is yours to explore the “City of Roses,” from art galleries and coffee shops to museums and endless outdoor activities. Later today, board the American Empress and prepare to depart Portland for your Pacific Northwest river cruise adventure along the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Overnight vessel. (B, D)

Day 5 - Astoria, ORYour first port of call is Astoria. Explore this historic pioneer city situated near the mouth of the Columbia River on a hop-on/hop-off sightseeing tour. Begin with a stop at the Riverwalk, a 4-mile paved walkway overlooking the beautiful Columbia River offering remarkable views. Next, stop at the Flavel House and Carriage House Museum. The Flavel House is a perfectly preserved example of Queen Anne architecture and was once the home of Captain George Flavel, one of Astoria's most influential citizens in the late 1800s. Guests can tour this 11,000 square foot elegant mansion as well as the detached Carriage House Museum and Visitor's Center. If you're seeking the perfect vantage point to view the majestic valley and the mouth of the Columbia River, the next stop will end your search. The peak of the Astoria Column sits 600 feet above sea level and boasts an incredible 365-degree view. Guests who are up to the challenge can climb the 164-step spiral staircase to the top of this spire for a majestic observation point, or remain on the ground to examine the ornate murals depicting 14 significant events from Oregon's history. The last stop on your tour is the Heritage Museum, showcasing the history and culture of Oregon through their exhibit galleries that beautifully capsulate the exciting history and culture of Oregon and the Columbia River. Located within Astoria's Old City Hall building, this neoclassical structure pays tribute to the hunters, loggers and fishermen that forged this new territory and depicts the history of this frontier town. Overnight vessel. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Stevenson, WAToday finds us in Stevenson, where a hop-on/hop-off tour of the city provides an excellent overview. Begin in Downtown Stevenson to enjoy the various local specialty shops and boutiques. Then, we'll stop at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area, the Interpretive Center shares the local story of the geography and culture of the region. Finally, experience an incredible man-made engineering feat at the Bonneville Dam. Completed in 1938, the Dam is an electrical power generator for the local area using Hydro power. Learn about its progression and improvements over time, the exhausting build project that encountered numerous obstacles due to the unique geology of the area and the unique way the dam assists spawning salmon pass through the dam on a self-guided tour. Overnight vessel. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - The Dalles, ORWelcome to The Dalles, Oregon, known as the end of the Oregon Trail! Upon arrival, set off to experience everything that The Dalles has to offer on a hop-on/hop-off tour. The first stop is the Original Courthouse Museum. This historic building was built in 1859 and is known as the first courthouse of the Rocky Mountains. Next stop at The Dalles Visitor's Center where you can learn more about this Pioneer river town followed by a stop at the Fort Dalles Museum and Interpretive Center, an original military base built in the 1800's. See unique collections of military and pioneer artifacts as well as the historic wagons that brought early settlers to the Oregon Trail's last stop. Before exploring the shops of the Downtown Shopping area,you may wish to stop at the Sunshine Mills Winery, originally a 130-year-old abandoned wheat mill and now a state-of-the-art Quenett boutique winery and home of Copa Di Vino, a unique invention by entrepreneur and wine enthusiast, James Martin. Overnight vessel. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Sacajawea State Park, WAToday's port of call is Sacajawea State Park, located at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. During our day at port, you can embark on two included tours: the Sacajawea State Park and Interpretive Center and the Country Mercantile Exchange.

Sacajawea State Park marks a significant point in American History. Guests can explore the Interpretive Center on the Park grounds which feature the history of Lewis and Clark. The on-site exhibits and a knowledgeable presentation at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm will highlight the history on this site and focuses on the Core of Discovery's voyage from modern-day Illinois to these grounds with the helpful guidance of their Native American interpreter, Sacajawea.

The Country Mercantile Store is a working farm and unique store filled with gourmet foods, jams, local items, homemade ice cream, hand-dipped chocolates and one-of-a-kind gifts for guests to explore and take home as a special memento of their time in Washington. Enjoy a guided tour of the facility and the candy factory at this sweet location. Overnight vessel. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - River CruisingEnjoy a day of scenic Snake River cruising. Picturesque canyon walls and crevasses will keep you guessing as to what lies around the next bend. Wildlife of many varieties can be spotted in the area, from bighorn sheep to gray wolves to bald eagles. Overnight vessel. (B, L, D)

Day 10 - Clarkston, WAA full day of sightseeing awaits when we dock in Clarkston. This morning, experience the history and culture of the Nez Perce people as we travel to the Nez Perce National Historical Park. Learn about the historic and present-day way of life of these Native American's whose name is derived from the French “Pierced Nose.” The Nez Perce people are well known for their involvement and assistance with the Lewis and Clark Expedition and guests can learn first-hand how they were trusted by the Corps of Discovery through an exclusive presentation by the staff of Nez Perce National Historical Park.

This afternoon, travel to Clarkston's brother city, Lewiston, Idaho. Nestled in the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, this town was ironically never a stop on the Lewis and Clark trail but both boast the early American explorers' names. Discover this historical town first settled in 1862. Guests can visit the Nez Perce County Historical Society and Museum that strives to preserve and interpret the history of the local region and culture. With rotating exhibits that chronicle the early history of the town and the surrounding area. After discovering the history of the town, guests can enjoy free time in the downtown region for shopping and independent exploring or hop on the trolley for a ride around town. Overnight vessel. (B, L, D)

Day 11 - Disembark in Clarkston, WADisembak the American Empress and make your way home from your authentic Pacific Northwest Experience. Transfers are available to Spokane Airport for flights departing after 12:00 am. (B)

Rail Your Way

Add more flexibility to your rail vacation by choosing when and where to begin and end your vacation. Whether you want to go east to west, west to east, north to south, south to north, start at the beginning, travel the reverse itinerary or begin in the middle, Rail Your Way allows you to tailor make your rail vacation so you can have the experience you want.

Look for the Rail Your Way icon to identify those vacations that offer customized rail connections or joining points. Ask your rail specialist how you can have Rail Your Way!

Train and Hotel Accommodations

Hotel accommodations in
Portland.

Amtrak accommodations
are available in Roomette and Bedroom. Roomette accommodations include a
private cabin that features two comfortable seats beside a picture window
during the day, which converts to an upper and lower berth at night. Bedroom
accommodations feature a sofa and chair by day and upper and lower berth by
night. Bedroom accommodations also include a sink and self-enclosed toilet and
shower.

Accommodations
onboard the American Empress range
from Inside Cabins featuring single beds and bathroom with shower and Outside
Staterooms with bay window or veranda from which to admire the passing scenery
to suites with veranda.

Hotel accommodations
are based on availability; substitutes will be similar in quality and amenities

Dates & Prices

Select from the packages below to view prices for this tour.

Show dates and prices for:

Please note RedLeaf service is no longer available in 2016. Please choose SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf.

Prices are land-only, per person. Prices are correct at the time this web page is published; however, are subject to change.
Port taxes of $109 per person are not included.
Vacations By Rail can supply connecting rail from your closest Amtrak Station.

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